Moving strap connector

ABSTRACT

The invention is a device utilized to connect moving straps together to enable the use of a longer strap than would otherwise be available. The devise includes an elongated connection body having a top and a bottom portion and at least two diametrically opposed connection walls extending from the top to the bottom portions. The connection walls form an interior bore having at least one set of connection slots, each set being composed of two diametrically opposed connection slots centrally located on each connection wall and extending through each connection wall to the interior bore. The invention therefore provides a means to lengthen a strap with a few extra connectors, rather than dealing with a large number of extra straps, all with different lengths.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a device utilized to connect moving straps together, enabling the use of a longer strap than would otherwise be available. When moving objects by tractor-trailer, aircraft, railroad or other cargo vehicle, it is necessary to secure the objects to prevent movement during transport. This is important both to prevent damage to the objects, and to minimize thc potential for injury or accident during transport.

There are a wide variety of products commercially available for use in securing cargo for transport. Some products in wide use in include ropes, chains, rubber tie-down straps, cargo nets and strapping. This invention provides and improvement to the last of these products. Strapping typically consists of cotton canvas or nylon webbing, typically on the order of 2″ in width and with varying lengths. The overall length of a strap is adjusted typically using a buckle or a ratchet mechanism that allows for a reduction in overall length of the strap. By reducing the length, the strap can tightly secure the cargo to the truck cargo vehicle. The ends of the straps are secured to fixed objects, ensuing minimal movement of the cargo. Within a cargo vehicle, the ends are typically secured to metal track fittings secured along the walls or floor of the vehicle. The ends of the straps are secured in the fitting by connectors on the straps that attach to the track fittings. The track fittings are typically attached to various points along the floor and walls, allowing for flexibility in the placement of straps and to allow for rearrangement of cargo.

One drawback to the strap system for cargo control is if it becomes necessary to secure cargo that is too large for a single strap. While it might be possible to obtain longer straps, it becomes more expensive and time consuming to ensure that the necessary lengths are available. A better solution would be to provide a connector, which allows a person to connect two straps together to make one longer strap. It is much easier to have available a few extra connectors, as opposed to a large number of extra straps, all with different lengths. For safety reasons and to minimize cost, it would be necessary that these connectors work with existing strap fittings. Strap fittings and connectors are standardized within the industry in order to ensure compatibility and minimize liability. The most common systems are referred to as Series A and Series E, and utilize a track fitting with a rectangular slot, and a connector designed to attach to the rectangular slot. Another system, referred to as Series F, utilizes a circular fitting and connector designed to connect to the circular fitting. This invention is intended to be compatible with the standard fittings associated with these systems.

To maximize safety, it is important that the connectors do not reduce the breaking strength or load limits of the packing straps themselves. This invention provides that solution.

Another drawback to the strap system is that it is necessary to secure both ends of a strap to a fixed point. The configuration of the cargo, or the number of fixed connection points in the vehicle, may make it impossible to ensure that all straps are secured to fixed points. It would be preferable if the packing straps themselves contained connectors that would allow for the secure attachment of additional straps, increasing the flexibility of the system. This invention provides that solution also.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of one embodiment of the present invention, being utilized to connect two short straps to secure cargo in the back of a tractor-trailer.

FIG. 2 is a closer perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In this figure, the present invention is being used to secure three separate straps.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, taken along section 3-3 of FIG. 2

FIG. 4 is another sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, taken along section 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 shows another variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In this figure, two connectors are linked in series, increasing the usable length of the strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 5 show an embodiment of this invention. The strap connector, according to the invention comprises a connector body 100 and connection slots 101 for the straps 102. In the embodiment shown, the connector body 100 has a square cross-section with a length greater than its width. The connector body has four connection walls 103, two open ends 104 and a hollow interior 105. The connector body could be of alternate cross-sections as long as it is possible to align the connection slots 101 properly. The material of construction of the connector body may be galvanized steel, anodized aluminum, or any other material that can handle the loading stresses applied by the packing straps without significant deformation of the connector body.

The connection slots 101 are centrally located on each of the connection walls 103 and oriented perpendicular to either open end of the connector body. In the embodiment shown on FIG. 2, there are four connection slots, with the fourth connection slot hidden by the connection wall 103. However, the number of slots may be varied up or down in multiples of two. In order to operate properly, and minimize loading stresses, each connection slot must have a matching connection slot located exactly 180 degrees in rotation around the diameter of the connector body and having the same orientation and location along thc length of the connector body. When connecting two packing straps, the slots must ensure that the two straps orient in a line passing through the center of the connector body, with no deflection of the centerline of each strap, either horizontally or vertically. This ensures a proper transfer or the load on the straps, with no additional stress along any axis.

The size and thickness of the slots may be varied depending upon the type of fitting on the strap. In the embodiment shown on FIG. 4, fitting 105 has an inside tongue 106 and an outside tongue 107 with a neck 108 connecting the two tongues. The outside tongue 106 is secured to the strap and the inside tongue is inserted and secured within the slot 101. The length of the slot is greater than that of the neck 108 but less than that of the inside tongue 106. The thickness of the slot is sufficient to allow for insertion of the inside tongue of the fitting. The fitting is typically removed using a spring-loaded device on the fitting (not shown). The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 would be usable for connecting with both Series A and Series E type fittings. Other embodiments of the invention not shown could be adapted to work with other standard strap fittings, such as Series F.

Having thus described certain embodiments of the present invention, various alterations, modifications and improvements will bc apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. These alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the above descriptions are only intended as examples, and arc intended to be limiting. 

1. A moving strap connector comprising an elongated connection body having a top and a bottom and at least two diametrically opposed connection walls, extending from the top to the bottom, the top and bottom and connection walls forming an interior bore, the connection walls having at least one set of connection slots, each set of connection slots being composed of two diametrically opposed connection slots centrally located on each connection wall and extending through each connection wall to the interior bore.
 2. A moving strap connector according to claim 1 wherein the connection body has two sets of diametrically opposed walls, each set of walls having two walls having equivalent length width and thickness, each wall having a top and bottom end and two side ends, the side ends of one set of walls being connected to the side ends of the other set of walls forming a square interior bore.
 3. A moving strap connector according to claim 2 wherein each set of connection walls has a set of connection slots, each set of connection slots being composed of two diametrically opposed connection slots centrally located on each connection water and extending through each connection wall to the interior bore.
 4. A moving strap connector according to claim 1 wherein the connection walls are composed of galvanized steel.
 5. A moving strap connector according to claim 1 wherein the connection walls are composed of anodized aluminum. 